FENTANYL
WHAT IS FENTANYL?
Fentanyl is a Schedule II prescription narcotic analgesic that is up to 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more than heroin.
ABUSE AND FENTANYL
A person with a substance use disorder might obtain fentanyl by misusing prescribed medication or acquiring the drug from an illegal laboratory. Misuse of fentanyl includes taking it orally, smoking it, snorting it, or injecting it. One method of use is not safer than another.
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Discarded fentanyl patches may still contain significant amounts of the drug. This can result in misuse if someone removes the gel contents from discarded patches.
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Illegal drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, are sometimes mixed with fentanyl, which makes the drugs more potent. If someone with a substance use disorder is unaware of the added fentanyl, this can put them at a higher risk of accidental overdose or death.
Treatment options for fentanyl addiction
Treatment for fentanyl addiction is the same as for any opioid use disorder and depends on the severity of the addiction. Treatment may include:
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an inpatient or outpatient detox program
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medication treatments to help manage cravings and the possibility of relapse
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residential and outpatient behavioral treatment programs
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A healthcare professional may prescribe medications such as buprenorphine and methadone, which affect the same receptors in the brain as those affected by fentanyl. This helps reduce symptoms of withdrawal. A doctor may also choose to prescribe naltrexone, which stops the effect fentanyl has on the body.
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People may consider talking with a therapist for support with their medication use if medication is part of their treatment. Therapy options include:
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cognitive behavioral therapy, which works on changing behavior and managing triggers and anxiety
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contingency management, which offers an incentive for negative drug tests
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motivational interviewing, which counsels the individual based on their unique needs and any conflicting feelings they may have about managing an addiction
WHAT IS NARCAN?
Narcan (naloxone) is an over-the-counter (OTC) drug that’s used to treat known or possible opioid overdose. Narcan comes as a nasal (nose) spray. Each container holds one dose of Narcan that’s sprayed into one nostril.
Narcan is used in people of all ages if opioid overdose happens or has possibly happened. (An opioid overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more opioid than their body can safely process.) Narcan is usually given by a caregiver or loved one if they think opioid overdose has occurred.
